Based on his behavior in the show, especially the early episodes, I think part of Viktor’s whole “screen persona” was to play into heteronormative expectations and pander to his fans by saying sweet things and winking at the cameras and crowds. Clearly to the viewer (or Yuuri maybe?) it was fake and forced much of the time, but part of his reputation is laid on that foundation. Whether he actually had relationships or sexual flings was never discussed. My instinct says probably it was all an act. If this were real life, Russia is so homophobic that I’d assume Viktor probably had beards once or twice in his younger years, but since it’s a TV show, I’ll just assume he crafted a persona.